Berlin: The British Telegraph reported that France has expressed its readiness to use its nuclear capabilities to protect Europe, amid rising concerns about the United States' intentions to reduce its military presence on the continent.

According to the newspaper, Paris is considering deploying nuclear-armed fighter jets in Germany, in a move aimed at boosting European security, especially with the escalation of Russian threats and the unclear position of Washington regarding its commitments to NATO.

This step came after statements from Friedrich Merz, the favored candidate for the German chancellorship, who called for expanding the European nuclear umbrella to reduce reliance on the United States.

The newspaper quoted a French official as saying that deploying nuclear aircraft in Germany "would not be complicated, but it would send a strong message to Moscow." He added that France is considering a range of options to enhance the security of the European continent amid current geopolitical challenges.

In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Merz on Sunday night before heading to Washington, where he presented his plan for European security and defending Ukraine to U.S. President Donald Trump. Macron emphasized during his meeting with Trump that "peace does not mean Ukraine's surrender," calling on European countries to take a greater role in protecting the continent.

For its part, Germany has not issued any official position on nuclear cooperation with France, as diplomatic sources indicated that negotiations on this file have not yet begun, especially with Merz preoccupied with negotiations to form his coalition government.

According to the paper, the French position may increase pressure on Britain to engage in similar discussions about enhancing European nuclear deterrence, especially as London possesses a strategic nuclear arsenal that is part of NATO's defense system.

It is noted that France has about 300 nuclear warheads as part of its "deterrence force" program, while the British deterrent system "Trident" relies on four submarines capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

In another development, the U.S. president stated on Monday evening that European forces could be sent to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin "would not oppose" this step, and hinted at the near conclusion of a U.S.-Ukrainian agreement regarding rare minerals.